Student Research News

Students in the Field Experiences in Anthropology course helped research the ancient DNA of corn pollen. (Contributed photo)

VCU Rice Rivers Center offers its first coordinated summer session

Aug. 10, 2026

With hands-on learning and high-tech tools, the field station hosts five courses that explore the land, water and air along the James River.

VCU environmental studies major Jasmine Cuellar turned her passion for birds into a multi-year research project. (VCU Social Media staff, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Jasmine Cuellar spends summer with the songbirds

Aug. 4, 2026

Along the James River and its system of nesting boxes, the VCU environmental studies student is researching how temperature affects prothonotary warbler nestlings.

Mary Carson sets up a game camera for collecting behavior and diet data outside a focal box. (Contributed image)

Internship amid falcons takes Mary Carson’s research to new heights

July 23, 2026

Working at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania is a natural fit for the biology and environmental studies major who is part of VCU’s Avian Ecology Lab.

From bulky to body-ready: Reimagining vibration therapy as a wearable platform

July 14, 2026

Daeha Joung and his research team are transforming rigid vibration therapy devices into comfortable, wearable tech for patients with Parkinson's and other neurological disorders.

After completing her Ph.D., Milan Marsh hopes to begin a career in industry, applying mathematical modeling to real-word problems. (Contributed image)

VCU and math have long been part of the equation for systems modeling student Milan Marsh

June 16, 2026

A high school program on campus helped propel her Ph.D. studies, which touch on biology and disease.

Recent VCU grad Stephen Tivenan aims to use systems modeling and analysis to advocate for the environment. (Jonathan Haff, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2026: Stephen Tivenan brings AI to climate forecasting

May 21, 2026

With his Ph.D. in systems modeling and analysis, he seeks greater precision and pattern identification in examining our evolving environment.

Neha Veeramalla, a psychology major and business minor, participated in a host of experiential learning opportunities while at VCU, including several research projects. (Contributed image)

Class of 2026: Neha Veeramalla keeps psychology and mentorship at front of mind

May 19, 2026

Veeramalla’s well-rounded undergraduate research experience included studies related to substance use, spinal cord injury patients, and pregnant and postpartum women.

Zora Weir-Gertzog, who graduated this month with majors in both biology and communication arts, is an accomplished medical illustrator. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2026: Aspiring medical illustrator Zora Weir-Gertzog is drawn to art and science

May 10, 2026

At VCU, her two degrees, independent project and broad collaborations reflect longtime creativity and motivation.

Tara Nikzad Joolhar said the culture of the lab where she conducts research is “uplifting.” “People are always teaching and learning from one another without any judgment.” (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

How I found my research: Tara Nikzad Joolhar loves both the challenges and surprises she finds in the lab

April 27, 2026

Joolhar, a science and philosophy major at VCU, will graduate this spring at the age of 20. A career in medicine is in her sights next.

Grayson Jacey is interested in the scientific and engineering side of medicine, especially how drugs are developed and made. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

How I found my research: Grayson Jacey seeks to help make important medicines more accessible

April 21, 2026

The junior, who says ‘there is always something new to learn,’ has engaged in research projects at VCU, in private industry and in India and Germany.